Activin A
Activin A - Related Videos
08:45
Epigenetic Conversion as a Safe and Simple Method to Obtain Insulin-secreting Cells from Adult Skin Fibroblasts
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Cited by 9 •
2016
Here, a new method that allows the conversion of adult skin fibroblasts into insulin-secreting cells is presented. This technique is based on epigenetic conversion, does not involve the use of retroviral vectors nor the acquisition of a stable pluripotent state. It is therefore highly promising for translational medicine applications.
06:28
Aggregate Size Optimization in Microwells for Suspension-based Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
0 Views •
Cited by 11 •
2016
Conventional methods to initiate suspension aggregate based cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stems cells (hPSCs) are plagued with culture heterogeneity with respect to aggregate size and shape. Here, we describe a robust method for cardiac differentiation employing microwells to generate size-controlled hPSC aggregates cultured under cardiac-promoting conditions.
12:21
Feeder-free Derivation of Melanocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Cited by 12 •
2016
This work describes an in vitro differentiation protocol to produce pigmented, mature melanocytes from human pluripotent stem cells via a neural crest and melanoblast intermediate stage using a feeder-free, 25 day protocol.
09:28
A Microfluidic Device for Quantifying Bacterial Chemotaxis in Stable Concentration Gradients
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Cited by 7 •
2010
This protocol describes the development of a microfluidic device for investigating bacterial chemotaxis in stable concentration gradients of chemoeffectors.
07:34
Manipulation of Rhythmic Food Intake in Mice Using a Custom-Made Feeding System
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2022
Restricting the timing of food intake has emerged as a promising intervention to attenuate diet-induced metabolic diseases. This manuscript details the construction and use of an efficient system built in-house for measuring and manipulating rhythmic food intake in mice.
FAQs
Following receptor engagement, Activin A signals through a two-stage receptor system: type II receptors work with type I serine/threonine kinase receptors, which pass the signal onward to SMAD2/3 transcription factors. These factors alter target-gene expression, allowing an extracellular cytokine signal to produce coordinated changes in immune regulation, inflammatory behavior, and tissue responses.
SMAD2/3 activation provides the transcriptional link between receptor stimulation and cellular behavior. Rather than producing only a short-lived surface response, the pathway changes target-gene expression, which can reshape immune responses and inflammatory programs. This mechanism helps explain how Activin A influences both immediate host reactions and longer-term tissue recovery during infection-related stress.
Changes in Activin A production may shift the balance between inflammatory and regulatory responses in host tissues. Because its signaling can alter immune-cell activity, increased or reduced production may affect how cells respond to microbial challenge. Studying these changes can therefore clarify why immune responses become either insufficiently controlled or poorly coordinated during infection.
Activin A connects immune regulation with tissue repair after injury. Its production and signaling can influence barrier integrity and the recovery of damaged tissue, while inflammatory conditions can change the surrounding immune environment. In infection research, this makes the pathway relevant not only to pathogen-associated inflammation but also to how tissues restore function afterward.
A useful investigation can examine Activin A production together with immune-cell activity, inflammatory responses, barrier integrity, and tissue recovery. Measuring these outcomes together helps distinguish a change in cytokine abundance from a broader effect on host physiology. Manipulating the pathway can further test whether Activin A contributes to disease mechanisms or recovery processes.
Research on Activin A can help explain how host cells coordinate inflammatory and regulatory responses during microbial challenge. The pathway also provides a framework for connecting immune activity with barrier disruption and tissue repair. By measuring or manipulating its signaling, investigators can evaluate disease mechanisms and explore whether pathway-directed strategies might have therapeutic relevance.